The Vancouver Canucks announced on Tuesday that their standout defenseman Filip Hronek inked an eight-year extension with the organization. The move will ensure that the Canucks keep in place one of the most exciting defenseman pairings in the NHL in Hronek and two-time All-Star Quinn Hughes.
According to the Canucks, Hronek’s new deal is worth $58 million and comes with $7.25 million average annual salary. The Czech Republic was set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason.
The Canucks acquired Hronek at the 2022-23 season trade deadline from the Detroit Red Wings, giving up a first-round pick and a second-rounder in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. However, a shoulder injury ended up restricting him to just four games until the end of the campaign.
In 2023-24, a healthy Hronek proved that the Canucks made a great decision to trade for him. He appeared in 81 regular-season games, bringing stability to Vancouver’s blue line while also making contributions on the offense.
Hronek finished the campaign with five goals and 43 assists for a career-high 48 points while also contributing a goal and assists in the postseason, helping the Canucks to reach the second round of Stanley Cup playoffs.
“Filip has fit in seamlessly on our blueline, giving us stability and strength on the right side,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said in a statement. “His ability to skate, defend and create offense is exactly what you want in from a top pairing defenseman. This season he has shown all of us his desire to compete and a willingness to be a leader on this hockey team. We look forward to seeing him continue to elevate our group and for him to grow both on and off the ice.”
